On cross-training and moving around the offensive line: Coach Mirabal has always been a believer in practicing every position. He's always, he'll have you train right tackle, left tackle, right guard, left guard, center. He wants just everybody to be able to play every position, guard position, and as a whole, that'll make us stronger and smarter.
On how cross-training has helped the offensive line: It's huge, because if I'm at guard and I understand what the center's error he's making, now I feel what the guard is struggling with. You understand both sides, and it helps you fix everything and understand both point of views, and everybody's on the same page, five guys one mind, as they say.
On how the group has been coming together: I think we're really gelling. A lot of reps, a lot of different looks, a lot of chemistry. Obviously, you got to go through different looks, different practices, different periods, situations, and we got some young guys, so they got to experience a lot of things, but everyone's stepping up to the plate. Everybody's hungry to learn, and we're all excited to keep getting better.
On the development of Miami’s younger offensive linemen: They've been taking huge strides. SJ Alofaituli has been playing phenomenal. He's truly showing his talent, showing his twitch. We love seeing him perform. Ben, flashing, he's a freshman, but he's playing with toughness, with heart, and he's competing. Jaden Wilkerson another one, Max Buchanan, they both go out there, fight, understand our playbook, understand our technique, and they're out there working. And we're just competing all with each other and making each other better.
On Samson Okunlola: I personally love watching Samson work. I love, I just admire his work ethic, his routine, how he prepares, how he handles himself. He's a true pro. He comes in here early morning, he does his stuff, always takes care of himself. So I know for a fact that he's gonna be prepared, and I trust him with everything I have.
On what he already from battling injuries: Just keep fighting. It's not always gonna be easy. It's not always, you're not gonna wake up and feel like you gotta go out there and you're feeling energetic and like it's day one. It's not always gonna be day one, and you're not always gonna have those first days, but you gotta go out there and handle business. It's a job, it's a responsibility. You gotta come out and do our job.
On how cross-training has helped the offensive line: It's huge, because if I'm at guard and I understand what the center's error he's making, now I feel what the guard is struggling with. You understand both sides, and it helps you fix everything and understand both point of views, and everybody's on the same page, five guys one mind, as they say.
On how the group has been coming together: I think we're really gelling. A lot of reps, a lot of different looks, a lot of chemistry. Obviously, you got to go through different looks, different practices, different periods, situations, and we got some young guys, so they got to experience a lot of things, but everyone's stepping up to the plate. Everybody's hungry to learn, and we're all excited to keep getting better.
On the development of Miami’s younger offensive linemen: They've been taking huge strides. SJ Alofaituli has been playing phenomenal. He's truly showing his talent, showing his twitch. We love seeing him perform. Ben, flashing, he's a freshman, but he's playing with toughness, with heart, and he's competing. Jaden Wilkerson another one, Max Buchanan, they both go out there, fight, understand our playbook, understand our technique, and they're out there working. And we're just competing all with each other and making each other better.
On Samson Okunlola: I personally love watching Samson work. I love, I just admire his work ethic, his routine, how he prepares, how he handles himself. He's a true pro. He comes in here early morning, he does his stuff, always takes care of himself. So I know for a fact that he's gonna be prepared, and I trust him with everything I have.
On what he already from battling injuries: Just keep fighting. It's not always gonna be easy. It's not always, you're not gonna wake up and feel like you gotta go out there and you're feeling energetic and like it's day one. It's not always gonna be day one, and you're not always gonna have those first days, but you gotta go out there and handle business. It's a job, it's a responsibility. You gotta come out and do our job.
